On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

“I thank-thank you.” Shaeula was grinning as she took the long box from me. “We do not-not celebrate as you do, the day of our birth. Fortunately, I was born-born on a day of migration, so I know-know when my birthday is.”

“We learned that not every culture celebrates birthdays in the same way.” Motoko pointed out. “In fact, like many Eastern nations, in the past everyone used to celebrate collectively at the turn of the year, being one year older. But since the War we have been influenced by Western ways.”

Natsumi nodded. “Yeah. Though I personally prefer this way. It’s more… intimate, you know?” Her smile was kind. “Rather than everyone celebrating together, there’s room to focus on the one whose birthday it is. Besides, Akio, you’re half British, so you’d be going it that way anyway, I imagine?”

I nodded, and Motoko added that we would likely be celebrating birthdays very regularly, before making a point I had thought about. “I believe that it only takes a group of twenty-three before the odds that at least two share a birthday is greater than half. You will be challenged then, to find an amicable solution.” Her brown eyes twinkled mischievously, and I was pleased to see she and Natsumi were distracted from their frenetic, desperate efforts to become compatible with the Divine Favors.

“Christmas Eve will be the test!” Natsumi teased me. “From what Eri, Kana and Shiro tell us, it is a day when men and women in love often spend time together.”

I nodded. “Yeah. I have plans, don’t worry, but… I’m afraid they’ll be group dates.”

“That is all-all very well.” Shaeula was unwrapping the gift carefully, clearly liking the wrapping paper which matched her favourite yukata. “We shall surely manage. But for-for now…”

“Yeah, sorry. Your birthday and all…” Natsumi apologised, and Shaeula rolled her eyes.

“I am not-not complaining. It is only natural to be excited, Natsumi. If you were not-not, I would surely think you were-were unwell. I am saying, do not-not forget to take in the spectacle. Though you would not-not know it from Akio’s actions, pushing yourself too-too hard may actually detract from your efforts. Simply relax, refresh your minds-minds, and a breakthrough may come… ah!”

Shaeula let out a hiss of surprise and amusement as she popped the lid off the plain box hidden within the wrapping paper. Inside, lay a scabbard, and not merely a decorative one, though it was certainly a work of art. It was not made of any iron of course, Shaeula being Fae, but polished titanium, inlaid with silver and precious emeralds, as well as polished shards of sparkling green Etherites. The patterning was again of weasels, climbing cheekily up the body of the scabbard, but it also featured the moon and other Fae imagery too.

“That’s really nice.” Natsumi enthused, and Motoko’s eyes were sparkling too. Seeing that, I grinned.

“Don’t worry. I haven’t forgotten your other two Tsumura weapons. One day I’ll get the time to split them like I did Utsoroihebi, but… even finding the time for this was a pain. For… your Christmas gifts too. But for now…” Yeah, there’s times when I’m just in the Material, I can create my Astral body and get some work done. A snatched few hours here and there, but it’s enough. Though the Christmas gifts… I’ve made extra, because I feel I’m going to need them in the future… but I’ve only got a couple of days to finish the last of the crafting… “…it’s Shaeula’s day. So, do you like it?”

Shaeula grinned, drawing her Mortal Fragarach from the plain, ordinary scabbard she had, and inserting it into the one I had crafted for her. “It fits perfectly. Most-most excellent. But…” She had noticed, with her great affinity for the wind, that once inside, a faint surge of wind element was gathering, the Etherites shining faintly, and that glow also spread to the emeralds.

“The jewels… they seem real.” Motoko appraised, being well used to the genuine article as a daughter of Tsumura house. “If so, it is a queenly gift…”

“I’d rather say fit for a princess.” I joked. “But yeah, it’s not just the emeralds. We’ve been receiving tithes from the Kobolds and now the Dwarves and their Mines for a while. So I put some to use. It’s not purely decorative, as you can imagine.”

Shaeula nodded, her eyes aglow with an amber sheen, and delicate traceries of jade light flickered as she used her own winds to probe it. “It is beautiful, yet I sense-sense a harmony with my blade. What is it called?”

“It’s up to you. It’s only fair you name it. But as for what it does…” I briefly explained. “Essentially, it’s for Iaijutsu, sword drawing martial arts. I know that’s for katanas, not Western blades, but I figured you having one more trump card wouldn’t hurt. I was going to use blue Etherites for it, considering they are the best we have, but then I considered that wind element is green, so…” Seeing their curious gazes, I shrugged, slightly embarrassed. “I know there’s no connection between Etherite colours and elements, it’s just… it feels like there could be. Besides, it looks way prettier this way. The designs were my idea, though honestly, the Kobolds prettied it up a bit and cut the emeralds perfectly. As for what it does…”

Shaeula grinned wolfishly. “I believe I get-get it. I can feel wild element trickling from me, filling the scabbard. But it is not-not bluesteel, is it?” Shaeula seemed puzzled, and I grinned.

“Nope. In fact… its Shapercrafted, using the Dvergr style as a base and the Etherites don’t actually mediate the wind like you expect. That’s why in the end, it doesn’t matter if they are green or blue, in terms of ether density…”

“I see-see. Fascinating.” Shaeula was intrigued. “Let me see-see if I can guess how it works. Motoko, Natsumi, you too-too.” As overhead, the moon of the Fae lands was shining with a deep purple halo, the crowd around us enjoying the spectacle, many of them, such as the Wright twins, clearly lost for words, the three of them crowded around Shaeula’s new scabbard, chatting animatedly about their thoughts on how precisely it worked, and it warmed my heart to see it. Three flowers in bloom, each different. Damn, I’m a lucky bastard…

“I think… adherence?” Motoko said at last. “The scabbard also has these elegant ripples in the design. At first, I thought the weasels were climbing a plant of some sorts, but…”

“It’s wind, yeah?” Natsumi agreed. “Is it… a representation of that element?”

I nodded. “And what do you think, Shaeula?”

“If my sword-sword demands an answer, then the scabbard, which holds-holds the Answerer, is surely my answer. And also proof of your deep-deep desire and love for me.” Shaeula smirked. “I also… feel it is like-like our Brigandine? So I shall call it… Unquestioned Love.”

Unquestioned Love [Item Class: Noble] [Item Type: Rule]

This scabbard, now called Unquestioned Love, is forged from mostly Material components. Titanium is light and strong, and the silver inlay is ordinary metal, as are the emeralds, as despite coming from Kobold mines, they have no special properties, other than size and beauty. Yet the addition of some carefully Shapercrafted powder from the remains of an Unseelie Duke, processed in Dvergr fashion, as well as significant Adherence Crafting, to tie together the nature of Wind and the materials and art invested into the scabbard, has created a resonance. The scabbard magnifies Wind Element, and any sword drawn from it can either be wreathed in strengthened winds, cutting and sharp, or if the sword is quickly unsheathed with intent, a deadly blade of Wind Element can be conjured. In addition, a specific Wind may be imbued into the scabbard, and while the outcome is surely unstable, the Wind will carry traces of the imbued Elemental energy.

The craftsmanship tying the Aether and Adherence together is rather fragile and rudimentary, but if such Adherence grows and solidifies, the scabbard shall surely become a priceless relic.

The report of its new name burned across my vision in amber letters. Shaeula quickly unsheathed the sword, her form admirable, earning praise from Motoko and Natsumi, and a brilliant jade beam of wind soared into the sky, for a moment drawing all eyes. Slightly flushed, Shaeula sheathed her blade. “Oh, it is quite-quite strong. For the wind element invested, it is certainly powerful.”

“That’s not all.” I explained how it was intended to work, and Shaeula laughed.

“Oh… I see. Turning the Fortunate Winds into a weapon. That is most-most dastardly!”

“No kidding! You’re the luckiest person I know, Shaeula, especially now!” Natsumi chuckled. “If you reversed that, and cut away someone’s luck…”

The idea came to me, when I understood what Bethany and Zachary Wright could do. Good luck, bad luck… there’s no difference, just like numbers can be either positive or negative.

“Yes, it would be a disaster for any opponent.” Motoko shuddered. “Victory and opportunity would become defeat and loss.”

“In that-that case…” Shaeula chuckled. “I named it wrong. I now-now call it… Love’s Misfortune.” Her eyes glittered with amusement. “I have… no, we-we have the greatest of fortune, but our enemies, they know not-not our love, or the love of Akio, so are surely-surely doomed to defeat and misery. Though…” She glanced over at where my parents were. It seemed that Eleanor and David had approached them and were sitting with them now, though even from here I could tell the situation was awkward. “…it is not-not always too late to change. Curious? Worried?”

Love’s Misfortune [Item Class: Noble] [Item Type: Rule]

Once called Unquestioned Love, made as a gift for one the creator held dear, the scabbard… has been renamed… to… Love’s Misfortune…

Thanks for the info, Yggdrasil, but I know, I was here… As I listened to Shaeula, my Eyes were lit with that notification. “Honestly, yeah, a little. More that mom might go crazy. Eri’s there, but… mother-in-law Hana and father-in-law Junpei are still a little hesitant…”

“In that-that case…” Shaeula waved a hand, and her maids followed us. “…we may as well-well go see.” Motoko and Natsumi agreed, so we walked towards where they were all seated. Eri’s cat ears, which were often present in the Astral, twitched and she turned, her expression rueful yet calm. Seeing that, David also glanced over at us, a broad, sarcastic smirk on his face, and he tapped Eleanor on the shoulder, making her jump.

“Oh, Shaeula, Motoko-chan, Natsumi-chan!” my mom enthused, as we approached. “Aki too! I have to say this is amazing! You weren’t kidding, Shaeula!” She gestured broadly to the scene around us, violet sparks starting to drift down like incandescent snowflakes. “This is incredible. It’s the second-best thing I’ve seen today!”

At that Auntie Hana sighed, rolling her eyes, and Motoko couldn’t help but ask. “If this is not the most impressive thing you have seen, then what is?”

Emily puffed up proudly. “Obviously, it’s meeting Princess Eleanor in the flesh… or, can we even say that here? I certainly feel like I’m made of myself, if that makes sense, but…”

“You are rambling, dear. Please do calm down.” my father cajoled her, his expression tense, and mom paused.

“Oh, sorry. I do hope you weren’t offended, Eleanor dear! I can call you by your first name, can’t I? We’re not strangers now, are we? Sometimes I get caught up in Japanese ways…”

Eleanor seemed rather bemused by the onslaught, but she managed a weak nod. “By all means. After all… we are to be family, mother-in-law.”

My mom leaked a squeal at that, her behaviour becoming ever more excitable. “Just call me Emily! No need to stand on ceremony, we’re both British, right?”

“She’s a riot.” David snickered, jerking a thumb at my mom. “She’s done nothing but gush over the Princess since we sat down. It’s awkward as hell, but so fucking… oh, sorry…” He glanced at Eri’s parents. “I’ll mind my language. Guess your responses are the most normal, in ordinary times. But…”

“It’s fine.” Eri interrupted. “My parents aren’t really opposed to this anymore. It’s more a coping mechanism. Though it does get a bit tedious.” Her ears flickered in irritation, and her black tail lashed restlessly.

“I know, little Eri, but…” Auntie Hana gazed at Junpei for support, and after a sip of his Fae alcohol to steady his nerves, he grumbled.

“…it’s the… the competition… this is Princess Eleanor Windsor! And there’s Princess Mikasa too!”

Eleanor smiled weakly in the slightly apologetic way that was so quintessentially British, but Eri spoke up before she or anyone else could.

“Mother, father…” her voice expressed her disapproval. “Are you saying I can’t hold my own? I’m a little hurt, even if I do understand it. I’ve not… exactly been strong up until now, have I? But we all have to change. And not just for each other…” Eri glanced at me fondly, onyx eyes earnest. “…but for ourselves. Because if we don’t respect ourselves, how can we be worthy of love? It’s a lesson I was slow to learn. I have an advantage. No, several advantages. Firstly, I’ve known Akio longer than anyone but Aiko. Yes, we were all wearing false masks, distorted mirrors of what we saw in each other, but… once the masks were removed, I understood what was beneath. And secondly… I believe in my own charms. And thanks to that annoying older sister I’ve claimed, Ginneka…” She fluttered her tail charmingly. “…I can borrow the charms of others, even those that don’t exist.” She winked at me, though she was flushing a little, perhaps due to the company, and I found my own face reddening too, remembering when she had approximated the form of my favourite Sekirei in the bedroom.

“…lastly…” Eri managed when she cooled down, enjoying my embarrassment, as was David, who was chuckling meanly. “…I’m a bridge between the old and the new. I’m not the only one in that role, Shiro is too, in a different way, but… we help ground him. And that instils a sense of comfort in his heart.” She turned to Eleanor then. “Honestly, mother-in-law Emily’s a lot of fun, but for us more reserved Japanese, she takes some getting used to.”

“Oh Eri-chan, how rude!” Emily puffed out her cheeks in mock-anger. “You always used to smile when I played with you as a child. Though we mostly left you and Ai in Aki’s care…”

“I was particularly shy, even for a young Japanese girl…” Eri ignored my mom, speaking in a stage whisper, so that everyone could hear. “…but I never found her off-putting.”

“I should hope not!” mom insisted, and Eleanor managed a wry snort.

“We Brits can also be quite reserved, but we can also be surprisingly forthright. Like David here…” Her blue eyes narrowed as she surveyed Eri. “You don’t seem so shy now, do you?”

“I’ve been through everything a girl can be. I thought I’d lost love, reclaimed it, worried I’d lose it again… I’ve fought battles, been maimed, feared I would die or worse, then had the elation of recovery and revenge. I convalesced, I studied, I received good advice… and… I’ve made peace with myself. I know my own value, and the value of those I love. Sure, I’m always seeking to increase my own value, deepen my love… but now… I have everything I need in life. There’s no more room for jealousy or regrets.”

At her quiet yet passionate speech, her parents nodded slowly. “I know, my dear daughter.” Uncle Junpei agreed. “And while we do grumble… we still support you. You’re right. I’ve never seen you express so many emotions before and talk so confidently.”

Eri blushed at that. “I… I’m not going to say it’s because I’m first wife.” She stared at Shaeula, who looked away, whistling innocently, still cradling her birthday gift lovingly. “…first, second, tenth, twentieth…”

“Wait, there’s twenty now?” Emily chortled, but at my cool glower she waved a hand. “Don’t be such a killjoy, Aki. There will be twenty, yeah?”

“No comment.” It’s getting dangerously close now, honestly, and there’s still two Princesses unaccounted for. And if what happens once happens twice, then what about what happens four times…?

“…or even a hundred…” Eri’s words made Auntie Hana clutch her head. “…what matters is we love Akio, and he us. Though…” Her gaze was both warm and challenging. “For us women, it’s simple. We only need to love you. For you though… you have to keep us all happy. Best work hard!”

I nodded, her words aligning with my thoughts. “Don’t worry, I will.” I promised. “Though I assure you, auntie, uncle… I’m not being frivolous with my love!”

“He is correct.” Motoko agreed, standing up for me, or so I thought. “I believe I know of at least a dozen women who would be more than delighted to be his concubines. He is certainly not indiscriminate. I respect that. Choices are made on more than physical attraction or political considerations.”

“A dozen more, huh?” David snickered, while uncle and auntie were pale. “You sure you don’t want to ditch him, fangirl?” he asked Natsumi, who merely chuckled.

“No, I’m perfectly happy with the way things are. Besides, it’s a lot of fun.” Natsumi’s smile was innocent and bright, her brown eyes twinkling. “I welcome new sisters, who we can have fun with, train with… spend our lives with. Perhaps it’s because I thought my fate was to be married to someone for political gain, be separated from Motoko, that I didn’t have high expectations. Now… now I do. As high as that moon!” Natsumi pointed to the skies above. The proliferation of aurorae of many shades of violet was intensifying, and… oddly enough, I felt I could make out something beyond the sky. It was too faint, even for my Eyes, but I had a gut instinct it was there.

“I know Akio loves me, and Motoko, and you, Eri, and Shaeula too… that’s all I need. Although…” As she looked at me fondly, blushing, her face not hidden by her short, curly brown hair, I sensed a heat in her eyes and couldn’t help but chuckle. Yeah, there’s no ‘most’ or ‘best’ in my heart. If there was, this would all come crashing down. But they do all believe that they hold a firm place in my heart, and they aren’t wrong…

“Do go on…” Motoko teased her best friend, and we laughed as she pouted, red-faced.

“I’ll go on when you are ready for Nkunim’s Favour. Me…” She glanced around, reaching out to touch the phantom sparks of purple snow. “…I’m close. I can feel it. Just one more insight…”

“Jealous, David?” Eleanor teased him, surprising us, and he shrugged, snorting wryly.

“Hardly. Fangirl’s a beauty, I admit it. Damn me if you aren’t all fine women. But she’s too young for me… not that I judge.” David slapped my shoulder happily. “I’ve got a few years on you, I reckon. “And I don’t take what belongs to others. I’ve had my share of romance, sometimes even two or three at once… with their knowledge, I hasten to add, I’m no bastard…”

Eleanor rolled her eyes at that, while Eri and me exchanged a glance expressing our amusement, as our parents were rather shocked by the whole exchange, other than mom, of course, who was looking on eagerly.

“…but yeah. Best treat her right. Else you’ll answer to me. I’m a man who always does right by his fans!” David repeated, slapping my back again.

“Yeah, sorry.” Natsumi apologised. “I’m happy with Akio, and I know I always will be. But I did admire your skills, and I still do. As one warrior to another.”

“Looks like you got shot down again, David.” Eleanor mocked, and he shrugged.

“Don’t make it sound like I was trying to woo her, princess. Damn, somehow I’m utterly frustrated.”

“It reminds me of when we first met.” Eleanor reminisced. Her expression as she observed Motoko, Natsumi and me was a rather ashamed one. “I wasn’t kind. Though David, you threw a glass at Akio and challenged him to a fight. After which, I recall he dealt with you handily.”

“Yeah, my bad.” David shrugged. “Hey, I’m a guy, you get it, right?” He addressed Uncle Junpei and my father. “Seeing someone flirting with armfuls of young beauties pisses us off, doesn’t it?”

“Let the boys argue…” Eri chuckled, taking charge. “Eleanor… it may be a bit presumptuous of me, but if you have trouble settling in, I’m willing to listen. And do what I can. Despite your family, you seem… quite normal…”

“I’m not sure whether to be offended or not at that.” Eleanor mused. “Though since it is offered in kindness, I’ll take it as such.”

“Thanks. I appreciate that.” Eri smiled back. “But what I mean is, you have… ordinary issues. So maybe I’d understand. Kana too. It frustrated us both a bit, but… we are very much alike. Probably why we didn’t get on at first. I know Yukiko is planning on helping you settle in too. She’s got Tsukiko to help relax her, but you… well, maybe Motoko and Natsumi, or… if you’re still a bit uncomfortable with them due to how you first met…”

“There is no cause to be.” Motoko assured her. “It is water under the bridge, as I believe you British say.”

“Maybe so, but I’m a girl who overthinks things and gets lost in her own head. I understand it well. You’re still a bit wary, yes?” Eri pointed out, and Eleanor nodded.

“Yes, it’s true. I know you have forgiven me, but… it’s a little hard to forgive myself.”

“You did-did all that for the right reasons, even if you were wrong.” Shaeula insisted. “I would not-not hold it against you. Even Hyacinth does not-not. In fact… prove yourself an honourable, honest, loving female…”

Eleanor’s eyes met mine then, the blue tinged purple by the overhead lightshow, her skin tinged pink by embarrassment. But she nodded, and I inwardly applauded the effort that took. Yeah, Eleanor is tsundere too, but… not the modern version, I think, but the more stoic, classical type…

“…and Hyacinth will not-not merely forgive you but applaud your wisdom in realising the truth of this world. Which to her is… there is no-no better fate than being Akio’s. I do-do so happen to agree. Do you not-not, you three?”

As everyone nodded, my mom clutched her face, so excited it hurt to see. She turned to auntie and insisted everything was fine. “See? You always worried Eri-chan couldn’t make friends, or stand up for herself, but… here she is, helping take charge!”

“It’s true… and little Eri…” Auntie Hana was earnest. “…we do support you. And we do know little Aki loves you dearly and doesn’t want to hurt you. But… this is all so unexpected, and so sudden. But…” tears were glimmering in her eyes now, and mom grasped one of her hands, uncle the other. “…that day you… you were maimed. We feared you’d die. But little Aki promised us, as did you, that you’d walk again, be well again, and you were. And you’ve… grown up. So… if you are happy, we are. Though…” She squeezed mom’s hand so tightly she gasped a little. “…I dearly wish for Emi to understand what we go through. It would be justice if little Ai fell for a man just like Aki, or…” Her lips curled into a wicked smile. “Regardless… we aren’t alone, are we, Junpei?”

“No. The parents of Kana-chan understand this feeling well.” he agreed. “I do enjoy spending time with them. Tsukiko-san’s…” He found it hard to address the older, and incredibly dignified Tsukiko as a -chan… “…are just grateful to be part of her life again. They accept anything she does. Oh well…”

“Just think! The Queen, the Queen!” my mom gushed, ignoring auntie’s remonstrations. “And your mother!” Eleanor shifted uncomfortably at that. “I was a huge fan of hers when I was younger. But then, wasn’t everyone?” Mom continued. “Adding her to the group of mothers will be amazing! And she must be so proud of you…” Mom’s smile was radiant. “…a Free Hospital, in your name! Healing the sick and wounded modern medicine can’t. Maybe you’ll be the next Princess of Hearts?”

David couldn’t help but let out a burst of scornful laughter at that. “Our clumsy Princess? She’s more likely to punch you than smile… see what I mean?” David smirked as she raised her fist at him. “Though I have to say… you sure caught our Princess here off guard. She wasn’t expecting that. Neither was the Queen. Though she was delighted. Is that why you wanted Britain watching? Not even officially going out, and you’re already giving her extravagant gifts. You’ll be seen as a pushover, man.”

“I don’t mind that.” I insisted. “As for the hospital… the way we’re training Mary-Jane is… different. Finding her a suitable Favour is tough, as she was so… varied… before. It’s certainly not impossible we’ll come across one at some point, but… instead, we’re rebuilding her from the ground up to fill the role she did before. The benefit of that is… eventually, she’ll be able to lead the training of others like her.”

“Chirurgery, yes?” Shaeula agreed. “It is a most-most precious Skill of ours. But Akio offers it to you, and to your country. You should be most-most grateful.”

“And I am. As is the Prime Minister, and of course, my grandmother.” Eleanor agreed. “Honestly, I’m not opposed to the plan, and… not just because of what Britain stands to gain. I worry… that Mary-Jane will fall in battle, leaving her husband and children behind her. Honestly, I think such a role suits her more, behind the scenes, caring for us, body and spirit.”

“We’ve sorted the biggest issue, which was the lack of those with the vision and perception. We aren’t going to have a significant supply…” At least not any time soon. I know Christina is eager to experiment and also attempt to atone, but I don’t want to break her mind by subjecting her to constant painful surgery, but… harvesting a few of the new Eyes is sadly necessary… “…but I imagine a trained doctor would use a lot less aether to correct defects and illnesses. As for how we get them a suitable level of skill and aether… that’s another matter.” Of course I have ideas, but that’s for later.

“You’ve thought this through. And I appreciate it.” Eleanor nodded. “It would have been lovely if you asked me first, so I wasn’t so mortified, but… I understand it’s your way of being kind. But it wasn’t just that, was it? The little Goblin girl too, and… the way you described Kobolds was rather suspicious.” She narrowed her blue eyes knowingly. “You mentioned the Fae were British a lot too. I sense ulterior motives.”

“Of course, and I’m happy to explain.” I promised. “But that aside… at least you’ve calmed down, mom, but that smile…”

My mom was grinning at us, her own blue eyes bright. “How could I not be? You two get on so well… dear, did you ever dream of the day our Aki would be so close to a Princess?”

“Of course not.” Father shook his head, his grey eyes pensive. “But I am a realist. This is what we have, and…” He nodded at me, man to man. “…you know well enough that the weight of responsibility on you is heavy, don’t you Akio?”

I nodded. “Yes. Nobody knows better than me. But…” I glanced at Eri, Eleanor, Shaeula, Motoko and Natsumi. “…this is the sort of weight any man would be happy to carry. And… I’ve got strong arms now., and broad shoulders…”

As Eri murmured appreciatively that I had indeed grown more handsome and manly… of course I have, since I became a Faeduine I’ve even grown taller… David barked a savage laugh. “Fuck me… oh… sorry, I meant damn it all, you still know how to piss me off. Regardless…” he glanced at Shaeula appreciatively. “…this is one hell of a party anyway. Might as well make the most of it. I’m going to drown my damn sorrows…”

“You think-think this is spectacular?” Shaeula’s smirk was wicked. “You have not-not seen the true spectacle yet. I never did-did see it myself when I was younger, but I was told…” She gazed out towards the distant Spring. “…that the true wonder is seeing where-where the Seelie Court ends, and the outside begins, during that-that moment…”

We followed her gaze, to where the polished monoliths were glimmering with purple energy. I see. That explains the seating I can see over there…

***

After spending a little more time talking with David, Eleanor and my parents, Shaeula, Motoko, Natsumi and I moved around the festivities, spending time chatting and drinking with everyone. It amused Shaeula to no end that Tan kept moving away from us, but eventually Shaeula got tired of that, and headed over and had a long talk with her, looking extremely satisfied on her return. All she would tell me was that Tan was a little shy, but was prepared, and just needed some quieter time to think and calm herself.

After that, Shaeula stood at the centre of the gathering, drawing everyone’s attention, cutting an incredibly regal display, new scabbard belted to her waist a little at odds with the cute yukata she wore. Despite that incongruity, with her slight frame, brilliant amber eyes and hair, and beautiful features, she certainly appeared as a warrior princess from ancient Japan. I dare say Urakaze would be proud of her…

As the hour of midnight back on the Material drew closer here, Shaeula suggested that we all retire to a higher vantage point, so that we might better enjoy the spectacle. A number of exquisite carriages, drawn by spirited Fae horses, of the sort the Way-wardens often rode, with glimmering, fiery manes and tails, pulled up to the mansion, courtesy of Shaeula’s father, who was at a different gathering. We boarded them and were swiftly ferried over. Shaeula had done a wonderful job of planning, and the area was already well-stocked with booze and snacks, with fresh maids ready to serve us.

And now… somehow I had ended up sitting with Shaeula, Motoko and Natsumi again, though the two Kitsune had joined us, quite at ease despite seemingly looking out of place, though Mae was simply too powerful to question, her nine golden tails waving under the increasingly vivid skies. Indeed, now the blackness of the eternal night of the Seelie Court was actually a violet, only the Moon standing out like a coin floating on ink. Hana, her five tails less ostentatious, had greeted a few of the Fae who were watching with us, as if they were old acquaintances, and they likely were, as she had admitted to travelling to the Court in the past, when she was idly killing time, all the while searching for a way to evade her fate.

In addition, we had another sitting with, or rather on me. The little Sylph Princess Estalian was using my shoulder as a chair, her gossamer wings occasionally brushing my cheeks and ear, her legs swinging idly, bumping my chest. In her hand was a small, thimble-sized cup, though to her that was quite a large glass, and it was full of strong mortal spirits, and not for the first time. She’s definitely a drunkard. But then… Fae and Yōkai alike seem to love alcohol…

“This is… quite the…” Estalian paused to hiccup cutely. “…viewing party. You’ve outdone yourself, little Shaeula.”

“I know.” Shaeula agreed pridefully. “I have-have learned from the mortal way of doing things. But this is… uniquely Fae, this whole experience, is it not? And quite-quite beautiful.” The crest of the hill that contained the Spring of Clear Reflections was surrounded by the polished, jewel-like monolith stones that filtered the moonlight down the chasm into the bowels of the hill, but now the silvery glow was… starting to turn a little pink, maybe?

“Yeah, it’s definitely special.” Natsumi agreed. “And you can see for miles from up here.”

“Yes.” Shinkume-no-Hana agreed lazily. She wasn’t flirting with me today, perhaps in deference to Shaeula, and she had a rather melancholy look in her eyes as she gazed out over the forests and fields that the Fae under Primal Forest had replanted. Beyond those lay a row of white stones, radiating aether lazily. And beyond that was a wild, uncharted land, different, tangled trees and thickets of prickly gorse choking the any free space, odd birds flying about. “It has been… a long time… since I last wandered the Court. Barring my visits here with you, of course.” She winked at me. “It brings back a certain melancholy memory, as does this delightful plum wine…” She was sipping at a liquid as vividly purple as the skies above.

Surprisingly, it was Mae who spoke up. “There is little use dwelling on the regrets of the past. That is not our way, granddaughter. No…” She too was drinking the bright wine, though she had made it stronger by adding some shochu. “…instead, revel in the now. After all, you dearly wished for your fifth tail, yes? And now you have it. The cost was…”

“The cost was acceptable.” she interrupted, casting me a sidelong glance, her lips stained with vivid purple liquid. “And I have no regrets. Oh, I suppose that is a lie. I have one…” She winked at Shaeula, who waved her hand dismissively.

“I do not-not wish to argue with you on my birthday, fox. Though if I am being quite-quite candid, I have little-little wish to argue at all. So for this night, and my special, happy-happy day…” Shaeula raised her glass. “…you are welcome here.”

“How touching.” Hana barked, before looking to Mae. “As for you, grandmother… yes, this is not a night for regrets. I travelled across these lands long after this place was lost.” She reached out, idly touching one of the shining pillars, and she wasn’t alone in that, other groups of revellers were gathered around the other stones inquisitively, and some (my sis among them, naturally, as she had no common sense sometimes) were even peering down the shaft to the sparkling Spring below. She’d better not fall. With her stats she’d survive it, but it’d certainly hurt…

“I did many things, some good, some bad, most selfish… but I find I have no room for regrets.” Hana finished. “What of you, grandmother?”

“I did as I saw fit. Good and evil, right and wrong, neither enter into it. Like you, I do not run from my deeds. Though…” One of her tails softly brushed against my leg, ticklish even through my clothes. “…perhaps were I to have another chance to redo my existence… some decisions I would make differently. And I would certainly try to be more… even-tempered.” She chuckled rustily. “Alas, even the so-called Gods cannot turn back time. What is done is done. I will never apologise, but I will, if opportunity presents itself… learn. And I shall even reach out a hand to my errant children and those of our kind, granddaughter, if that prophesising cow is correct… and from those I have known… I see no reason to doubt it. Though will any reach back? Perhaps not…”

“It takes time-time to change, and more-more time to be accepted.” Shaeula offered. Unlike Hana, who had acted against us for her own amusement back when we faced the Kijo Matriarch and that bastard Kitsune who wanted to torment Eri, Mae, while having doubtless done far worse, hadn’t affected Shaeula personally, and had indeed suffered grave wounds protecting Asha, so her attitude was entirely different, and far kinder, much to Hana’s amused chagrin and envy.

“Yes, that’s right.” Estalian agreed. “You’ve changed, from what I’ve heard, little Duchess. And…” She flapped her wings, striking my face a number of times carelessly. “Here too. You know… I hold a great deal of fondness for the Spring. I overcame myself and became more than just a Fae of wind here. It was beautiful then… but more so now. The forests are… bountiful, and the Spring itself…”

“Unfinished.” Shaeula laughed. “There is much-much more to do. But some of the cafés and stalls are functional. I shall not-not cease surprising you yet, Princess Estalian.”

“I look…” She paused to drink and hiccup endearingly again, though I did wonder if my future involved getting Fae vomit all over my face and shoulder. “…to the future with interest. That’s perhaps the strangest of changes. I also want to see… ulp… just how far… you can go! Oh, that’s right!”

Estalian downed her drink, spilling some on me in the process, then pounded her palm with one fist cheerily. “You know… this spot used to be famous for what happens during the migration!” She turned her jade-green eyes on the stones, and with my own keen sight, I could notice that the faint pink colour was deepening, now a hint of a deeper rose creeping in. “Fascinating! It’s been so many… years. Oh, don’t move your head!” She pulled at my hair. “It’s making my head spin.” She took a deep breath to compose herself, before pointing at the stones. “As the Court moves, watch. It will be… special!”

“It will be soon.” Mae spoke, and we looked at her quizzically. One of her tails stood up, dancing with faint purple sparks. “I am… sensitive… to most energies. The tide is reaching a peak.”

We fell into a comfortable silence, and as the minutes ticked by, the great moon of the Fae Realms started to change. It was as if multiple eclipses were happening at once, violet shadows passing over it in four directions, as if bites were taken out of it. Because the moon was simply so huge in the sky, it was a far more impressive sight than any lunar eclipse on Earth. As the moon and its silvery light vanished, the lands were somehow brighter, all lit with purple hues.

Hmm… my Eyes strained, and I felt I wasn’t the only one.

Oh, quite fascinating. Rose was also curious. This pulled me away from my study of the Runes. It’s very clever… but ultimately a hindrance to this Territory. But… oh, I won’t spoil their surprise.

I could feel a satisfied silence. Eri glanced over, a knowing look in her eyes, and I gestured for her to keep our parents and Eleanor company. She nodded, tail moving restlessly, and I turned my gaze back to the skies above, and also…

“The stones…” someone said, and others around the hill began to chatter excitedly, as the rose hue was now intensifying, and the stones themselves were trembling, the crystal that composed the monoliths giving off faint, almost musical tones.

“Ah, I remember this!” Estalian giggled. “Most will have forgotten though, else there would be many more Fae here this night!”

The moon was now entirely gone, and suddenly the sky… exploded… for want of a better expression. The purple storm of aurorae were sucked up into a shimmering, flaming mirror of the moon, before it shattered, beams of violet light streaking in all directions. They struck the ground just beyond the border stones, leaving behind a sort of purple dome, translucent and fragile.

“Oh, a night for singing!” Estalian cried, her drunkenness seemingly forgotten. Her feet were kicking me as she raised her voice.

“Are you of the Seelie Court… dark earth and stone cold wrought…”

“Where wine flows like clear water…” “…and fire burns hotter than the lost daughter…”

“Wind blows a gale of song before us…” “…and darkness eternal is the chorus…”

“Yet once more the Moon returns us light…” “…and upon wings of violet our realm takes flight!”

Several of the other Fae joined in her song, Princess Ffionnan one of those, and as the singing wound down, one of the bolts of purple from the moon fell down towards us. Some people were pointing, worried, others looked on with rapt fascination, but the Fae were calm. Oddly enough, beside me, Natsumi was watching, her own eyes wide, and I could hear her muttering “I understand. At last! So… it’s like that!”

“Beautiful… like the dark ocean within Great Nurarihyon’s abode…” Hana muttered, as the bolt exploded above us, purple flames raining down. They were cool to the touch, and seemingly harmless, but the monoliths keened, their song a series of harmonics, synchronising perfectly. At that moment the flames were all guided together, and the light from the moon that had reappeared, the skies darkening once more, a faint few shooting stars visible, swept it all up, and the columns of light that were fed into the spring became vivid, violet beams, the hillside changing colour.

Huh, wait… My Eyes could see the Spring below, the waters churning, absorbing the light, mist rising. But for a moment, the waters parted, and I could see… Oh… oh shit.

There was no time to explain. I moved, my own spatial Skill sending me across the hillside in an instant, and I grabbed Arisu-san’s arm. And as she blinked in surprise, her black eyes reflecting the purple of the stones, we vanished, travelling the distance to the Spring in a heartbeat. There’s no time to explain, but… oh well, I’m going to be in for a lecture after this. Hopefully she won’t be too hard on me… but if we miss this chance… it wouldn’t be the best birthday for Shaeula it could be…